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Render of the Hans Isler Housing Complex in Lousada, a planted pedestrian passage between red concrete facades

Hans Isler Housing Complex

A housing complex shaped by urban connections, intentional voids and a balance between community and privacy.

Lousada, Portugal · 2022
EN PT
Typology Collective Housing
Size 7 994m2
Location Lousada
Status Planning
Project ID 22CHI
Hans Isler Housing Complex, Lousada: physical model of the three white volumes with rounded edges on a timber base, seen from above at an angle
Hans Isler Housing Complex, Lousada: render of a family on the stepped path climbing between the red buildings, with gardens on either side

Reconnecting the urban block

The project begins with the importance of public space and its role in shaping the urban fabric. On a residual plot, the proposal introduces pedestrian connections that increase the permeability of the block and establish a new sense of urban continuity.

Hans Isler Housing Complex, Lousada: close-up of the white model showing the gridded facades and the void between two volumes

Building around intentional voids

These pedestrian connections become intentional voids that help define the built space. Around them, the three volumes of the complex are positioned, allowing the intervention to remain accessible and connected to its surroundings.

Hans Isler Housing Complex, Lousada: ground floor plan of the three volumes with apartment layouts, surrounded by trees and pathsHans Isler Housing Complex, Lousada: exploded axonometric drawing stacking the floor plates of the residential volumes

Three volumes, distinct geometries

The complex is formed by three separate volumes, each with its own geometry. Their different forms create a dynamic relationship with the surrounding environment, while rounded edges introduce an organic element in contrast with the industrial urban context.

Hans Isler Housing Complex, Lousada: render of a rounded corner of the complex, its red prefabricated concrete frame holding recessed windows

Balancing openness and privacy

The relationship between full and open spaces is used to encourage a sense of community while maintaining individual privacy. Through this interaction, boundaries are redefined across the complex and between the buildings and their surroundings.

Hans Isler Housing Complex, Lousada: close-up render of the facade grid of modular concrete elements with deep window openingsHans Isler Housing Complex, Lousada: exploded axonometric diagram of a building and its prefabricated facade panels

A robust and flexible system

A concrete exoskeleton combined with precast slabs provides flexibility within the buildings. The façades use prefabricated concrete modular elements and permeable openings, occasionally incorporating planters, to reduce glazed areas and create a visual pattern while ensuring robustness and reduced future maintenance.

spaceworkers

Intentional voids connect the block, defining a new balance between built space, community and urban continuity.

Continuity through voids

Hans Isler Housing Complex: render looking up between the curved red volumes of the Lousada housing complex against a blue sky
Hans Isler Housing Complex, Lousada: render of a tall red volume with rounded edges rising above the street, a parked car in front
Hans Isler Housing Complex, Lousada: render of a pedestrian walking along a narrow passage between the buildings, lined with planting
Hans Isler Housing Complex, Lousada: overhead view of the physical model showing the three volumes and the voids between them
Hans Isler Housing Complex, Lousada: sequence of concept diagrams on site, permeability, form, light and identity of the complex
Hans Isler Housing Complex, Lousada: typical floor plan of two volumes with apartment layouts and the surrounding trees
Hans Isler Housing Complex, Lousada: render of an apartment living room with a sofa and dining area, red facade frames beyond the glazing
Hans Isler Housing Complex, Lousada: render of an open kitchen and lounge in an apartment of the Hans Isler complex, glazing on the right
Hans Isler Housing Complex, Lousada: render of a bedroom with a low bed and a glazed corner framed by the red facade

Full Credits

Client

  • Private

Principal Architects

  • Henrique Marques
  • Rui Dinis

Architects

  • Tiago Maciel
  • Fred Delgado
  • André Sousa

Finance Director

  • Carla Duarte

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